This bright red vegetable with purple undertones is often overlooked yet is increasingly being seen as a super veg. Beetroot (aka Beta Vulagris rubra) belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family of flowering plants. Findings in a new review published in Complete Nutrition written by Dr Emma Derbyshire reveals that beetroot may have a role to play in the management of blood pressure and post-exercise soreness. So let’s find out more…

So, what’s in beetroot?

Beetroot is an important source of dietary nitrate which helps to dilate blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.

Beetroot contains betalain – a phytonutrient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This compound also gives beetroot its vibrant colour.

Beetroot is low in calories and fat. It also provides meaningful amounts of folate, potassium and good dose of vitamin C, potassium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium and zinc.

…and how best to eat it
An 80 gram portion of beetroot is equivalent to just three baby beetroot or 7 slices of beetroot which would both qualify as one of the 5-A-DAY. Beetroot is highly versatile. It can be juiced, boiled, grilled, fried, roasted or pickled. It can be scattered into salads, onto pizzas, placed inside sandwiches, included within hot drinks, desserts or eaten as a snack on the go. These days we can buy beetroot infused with different flavours for an added oomph too. So next time you’re thinking of a veg. to put on your shopping list beetroot could be just what you’re looking for…